A qualitative examination into the effects of anxiety on performance

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Abstract

This study assessed golfers' real life competitive experiences in relation to the predictions of several
contemporary models and theories of anxiety and performance. Through a series of post-competition
interviews, this investigation offered an insight into the way two elite golfers experienced anxiety and
whether or not these experiences were germane to the current anxiety literature. The investigation also
supported several predictions of each of the current anxiety approaches. However, it became clear that
in „real-life‟ situations a combination of each of the anxiety approaches‟ predictions are more relevant
when referring to the anxiety/performance relationship. From an applied perspective the results
suggest that sport psychologists need to consider the full combination of approaches available and be
prepared to embrace the possibility that the predictions of several different models and theories may
be influencing an athlete at any given time. Future research should continue to examine how the
experience of anxiety can be potentially cyclical and when and how the predictions of each of the
anxiety approaches can influence performance.

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